Proper Oil Pulling Techniques from Jordan Weber Dental in Tualatin

Oil pulling involves swishing a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for 20 minutes every day, then spitting it out. The traditional Ayurvedic method calls for sesame oil, but many contemporary oil pullers prefer coconut. The science behind oil pulling is primarily based on coconut oil’s known properties. Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that help balance your oral microbiome (the collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi within your mouth) and discourage tooth decay or oral diseases.

While less popular now than it was a few years back, social media influencers still extol the practice’s purported health benefits. But the evidence-based bottom line on oil pulling is this: oil pulling can’t substitute for brushing and flossing twice a day.

There is limited modern research to back up the ancient practice of oil pulling. However here are a few potential benefits of oil pulling:

• It may reduce bad bacteria: This is the whole assertion behind oil pulling. The fatty part of the oil attaches to the fatty cell membrane of the bacteria in your mouth, captures it, and then you spit the bacteria out with it.
• It may help reduce plaque buildup: A buildup of bacteria can lead to gingivitis. A bacteria called Streptococcus mutants has been known to cause plaque and gingivitis. A study of adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis practiced oil pulling with coconut oil for 30 days. The study found a statistically significant decrease in plaque after 7 days of oil pulling.
• It can support healthy gums
• It may help prevent cavities by reducing plaque
• It may help support stomach health
• It may help improve oral thrush: This fungal infection is caused by certain species of Candida growing in the mouth. One study found that sesame oil inhibited growth of both mycelia and yeast forms of Candida.
• It’s easy and affordable

Oil pulling is simple:

Put 1 tbsp (15 mL) of oil in your mouth.

Swish it around for 20 minutes and spit it out.

Rinse with water and brush your teeth.

With oral care routines becoming more and more complex, it’s important to know what actually works and what doesn’t. Seeing your dentist regularly works. Dr. Heather Weber of Jordan Weber Dental in Tualatin is an expert on all the latest techniques for exceptional oral care. At the end of the day, there is some early evidence suggesting that oil pulling can help reduce bad bacteria in the mouth. However, it’s not something the American Dental Association recommends. If you try oil pulling, it shouldn’t replace your daily flossing and brushing routine.

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about oil pulling. Currently, no evidence supports claims that oil pulling whitens your teeth. Oil pulling with coconut oil is a simple method that may reduce your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis. There are plenty of other health claims associated with oil pulling, but most are not supported by science. Nevertheless, oil pulling seems to be an excellent complimentary strategy to improve your oral hygiene, which is definitely worth trying. 

Call Dr. Heather Weber of leading dental practice Jordan Weber Dental in Tualatin for a consultation on any of your oral health concerns at (503) 692-6535.